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Advocating multi-disciplinarity in studying complex emergencies : the limitations of a psychological approach to understanding how young people cope with prolonged conflict in Gaza

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Lewando Hundt, Gillian, Chatty, Dawn, Thabet, Abdel Aziz and Abuateya, Hala. (2004) Advocating multi-disciplinarity in studying complex emergencies : the limitations of a psychological approach to understanding how young people cope with prolonged conflict in Gaza. Journal of Biosocial Science, Vol.36 (No.4). pp. 417-431. ISSN 0021-9320

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0021932004006649

Abstract

The paper looks at the limitations and strengths of using the A-cope questionnaire for measuring strategies for coping with prolonged conflict by Palestinian young people in Gaza. The scale was administered to young people between the ages of 8 and 17. The results show some gender differences in coping strategies. However, some items on the subscales are not relevant for Muslim societies or societies in situations of prolonged conflict. The authors suggest that combining an anthropological contextual perspective and qualitative data with psychological instruments is an effective way of addressing the limitations of using a single quantitative method of assessment in non-Western complex social and cultural settings.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Health and Social Studies Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Conflict (Psychology) in children -- Palestine, Conflict (Psychology) in adolescence -- Palestine, Children and war -- Palestine, Refugees -- Health and hygiene -- Palestine, Public health -- Anthropological aspects, Gaza Strip -- Social conditions, Gaza Strip -- Social life and customs
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Biosocial Science
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
ISSN:	0021-9320
Date:	July 2004
Volume:	Vol.36
Number:	No.4
Page Range:	pp. 417-431
Identification Number:	10.1017/S0021932004006649
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
Funder:	Andrew Mellon Foundation (AMF)
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/752